50mm Lens:
* Pros:
* Versatility: The 50mm is a fantastic all-around lens. It's suitable for not just portraits but also street photography, landscapes, and even some close-up shots.
* Affordable: Generally, 50mm lenses (especially the "nifty fifty" f/1.8 versions) are more budget-friendly than 85mm lenses.
* Wider Field of View: This allows you to include more of the surrounding environment in your portraits, telling more of a story and capturing the subject within a context.
* Smaller and Lighter: Easier to carry around for extended periods and less conspicuous.
* Better in Tight Spaces: The wider field of view means you don't need as much space between you and your subject. Ideal for indoor or cramped locations.
* Cons:
* Less Background Compression: Doesn't blur the background as much as an 85mm, which can be distracting if the background isn't carefully chosen.
* May Require Closer Proximity: You'll need to stand closer to your subject for headshots or close-ups, which can sometimes feel intrusive.
* Perspective Distortion: While generally minimal, you can get some slight perspective distortion if you're *very* close to your subject, potentially making features appear a bit larger.
85mm Lens:
* Pros:
* Excellent Subject Isolation: Creates beautiful background blur (bokeh), effectively isolating the subject and drawing the viewer's attention to them.
* Flattering Perspective: Considered by many to be the ideal focal length for portraiture, as it compresses features and minimizes perspective distortion, leading to more pleasing and natural-looking portraits.
* Comfortable Working Distance: Allows you to maintain a comfortable distance from your subject, making them feel more relaxed.
* Great for Headshots and Close-Ups: The longer focal length is perfect for capturing sharp, detailed headshots and close-ups with a creamy blurred background.
* Reduced Perspective Distortion: Makes facial features look more natural and proportionally accurate.
* Cons:
* Less Versatile: Primarily designed for portraits, not as suitable for other types of photography.
* More Expensive: Typically more expensive than 50mm lenses, especially those with wide apertures.
* Larger and Heavier: Can be more cumbersome to carry around, especially for long photoshoots.
* Requires More Space: Needs more distance between you and your subject, which can be a limitation in small studios or indoor environments.
* Steeper Learning Curve: Composition can be a little trickier with the narrow field of view, especially for beginners.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | 50mm Lens | 85mm Lens |
|-------------------|---------------------------------|---------------------------------|
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Price | Generally lower | Generally higher |
| Size/Weight | Smaller/Lighter | Larger/Heavier |
| Working Distance | Closer | Further |
| Background Blur | Less | More |
| Perspective | More Potential Distortion | Less Distortion, More Flattering |
| Space Required | Less | More |
| Subject Isolation | Less | More |
When to Choose a 50mm:
* You're on a budget.
* You need a versatile lens for various types of photography.
* You often shoot in tight spaces.
* You want to include more of the environment in your portraits.
* You prefer a smaller, lighter lens.
When to Choose an 85mm:
* You primarily shoot portraits.
* You want maximum background blur (bokeh).
* You want the most flattering perspective.
* You have enough space to work with.
* You prioritize subject isolation.
* You want to create a sense of intimacy and connection with your subject from a slight distance.
Important Considerations:
* Aperture: Both 50mm and 85mm lenses are available with wide apertures (e.g., f/1.8, f/1.4, f/1.2). A wider aperture allows for shallower depth of field (more background blur) and better low-light performance.
* Crop Sensor vs. Full Frame: If you're using a crop sensor camera, the effective focal length changes. A 50mm lens on a crop sensor will have a similar field of view to an 85mm lens on a full frame camera. Keep this in mind when making your decision. Consider a 35mm lens for portraits on a crop sensor if you want a similar field of view to a 50mm on a full frame.
* Your Shooting Style: Do you prefer to be up close and personal with your subjects, or do you prefer to maintain a bit of distance? The answer to this question will heavily influence your lens choice.
* Try Before You Buy: The best way to decide which lens is right for you is to try them both out. Rent the lenses or borrow them from a friend to see which one you prefer.
In conclusion: The 50mm is a versatile and affordable option, while the 85mm is a specialized lens that excels at creating beautiful and flattering portraits with exceptional subject isolation. Ultimately, the best lens for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider your budget, shooting environment, and desired aesthetic when making your decision. You might even find that owning both gives you the most flexibility!